Craig Levein was an uncompromising defender during a sterling 14-year career as a player with Hearts and doesn’t hold back as a manager.

The Jambos gaffer set the cat among the pigeons with his claim that players need more protection from Scott Brown following his challenge on Harry Cochrane that left him with a collarbone injury

Brendan Rodgers defended the Celtic skipper and questioned why the 16-year-old Hearts starlet was pitched into such a game, despite standing out in the 4-0 win when the sides met at Tynecastle in December.

Hotlinecallers were quick to cast up the fact Levein lashed out at his own team-mate during his playing days when he broke Graeme Hogg’s nose during a friendly.

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Yet others defended him for speaking out and Joe Wilson , Spean Bridge, said: “Craig Levein was bang on about Scott Brown’s tackle - it was a disgusting, brutish assault on a young player.”

Peter Brewer, Blackpool , said: “I’ve got to agree with Craig Levein regarding Scott Brown. He picks his targets and as Levein said, Harry Cochrane bossed him in the previous game and that’s why he was a target.”

James Colven, Arbroath , said: “I wouldn’t call myself a Craig Levein fan but I must compliment him for finally having the guts to say what should have been said years ago about Scott Brown.” Others didn’t agree and Craig Gordon, Ayr , said: “Craig Levein should shut his big mouth. Even his own player said it was an accidental collision.

The Hearts was angry with the challenge which led to Cochrane's injury (Image: SNS Group)

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“His team are officially the dirtiest in Scotland and kicked Celtic and Hibs off the park.”

James Taylor emailed: “A year ago Brendan Rodgers demanded protection for Celtic players from referees after a tackle on the then teenage Kieran Tierney.

“Now he is defending Scott Brown and has the audacity to question if young Harry Cochrane should have been playing. Shameful comment.”

Harry Haddow, Brora , said: “Harry Cochrane can get married and join the armed forces at 16 but according to Brendan Rodgers he shouldn’t be pitched in to battle footballing relic Scott Brown at Parkhead.

“It’s a sad indictment of Scottish football that players like Scott Brown, who provide industry and aggression over style and flair, are constantly lauded as great players.

Scott Brown has come in for criticism (Image: SNS Group)

“It’s a reflection of all that’s wrong with our game to be honest.”

Tam Hoy, Edinburgh , said: “I had to laugh at Craig Levein wanting protection for his players. This is a manager who sets his teams up to systematically kick the opposition off the park.

“The man is a dinosaur, 37 years in football and all he has to show for it is a win in the Tennent’s Sixes.”

George Fairgrieve, Edinburgh , said: “So Craig Levein wants protection from Scott Brown. That’s rich coming from a man who floored his own team-mate, breaking his nose in the process, in a supposed friendly game against Raith Rovers.

John Paul Gage, Gourock , said: “Craig Levein is so arrogant talking about players needing protection from Scott Brown. This is a man who smashed his own team-mate, Graeme Hogg, in the face.”

One Hotline caller called the Scotland supremo job a 'poisoned chalice'

One man who could have done with more protection is Stewart Regan after the SFA Board accepted the now former chief executive’s resignation and there was little sympathy for the Englishman.

There are few positive moments to remember of his seven-and-a-half year Hampden reign but for many the problems run deeper.

Charlie Goldie, Glasgow , said: “It’s one down, several more to go. We have to get the right man to replace Stewart Regan, someone honest and with some dignity to go forward.”

Eddie Easson, Ballingry , said: “Good riddance to Stewart Regan who was a crazy appointment from day one but the sad reality is the ones that appointed him are still there.

Could Leeann Dempster replace Regan? (Image: SNS Group)

“The job should be offered to Barry Hearn no football who has no ties in Scotland and revitalised snooker and darts. They could do and probably will do worse.”

Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh , emailed: “Stewart Regan is as well out of it. The job is a poisoned chalice and when I hear Leeann Dempster being touted as a replacement, I suspect Neil Lennon will be approached for the manager’s position.

“That’s about the Mickey Mouse level Scotland are at these days.”

One caller has hit out at Brendan Rodgers

Stuart Wood said : “In the last few months Brendan Rodgers has questioned the sacking of Ian Cathro, put Neil Lennon up for the Scotland job and now he wants to pick the Hearts team.

“Maybe he should apply for the SFA chief executive job as he seems to want to run the game.”

James Robertson, Dennistoun , said: “So Scottish football’s mouthpiece has gone. The problem is he takes the secrets with him and the rest of them are still there.

“I hope the next person brings a wire brush and dettol because that place needs cleaned out thoroughly.”